Fire Inspection Handbook

(Revised November, 2014.)

The Wheaton Fire Department conducts fire safety inspections of business, commercial, and multi-family residential properties. The main goal of this fire inspection program is to encourage a community safe from fire. During these inspections, items such as construction, occupancy, built-in and portable fire protection equipment, and other fire safety related issues are all reviewed.

All schools in the City of Wheaton are also inspected. These school inspections are conducted in the presence of personnel from the school in order to provide for the fire safety of all school age children. These school inspections also satisfy the requirements of the Regional Office of Education (ROE). The ROE requires that all schools complete a housekeeping inspection during the school year in cooperation with the local Fire Department.

1. Base Building

Sprinkler Control

1.1 Accessible: Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or any other fixed or moveable object for a minimum of three (3) feet. (IFC 912.3)

1.2 Signs: A metal sign with raised letters at least one (1) inch (25 mm) in size shall be mounted on all Fire Department connections serving automatic sprinklers, standpipes, or fire pump connections. Such signs shall read: AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS or STANDPIPES or TEST CONNECTIONS or a combination thereof as applicable. Where the Fire Department connection does not serve the entire building, a sign shall be provided indicating the portions of the building served. (IFC 912.4)

Fire Department Connection

1.3 Accessible: Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or any other object for a minimum of three (3) feet. (IFC 912.3)

Electrical Service

1.6 Support on building: Electrical equipment shall be secured to the surface on which it is mounted. (NEC 110-13)

1.7 Clearance: Clearance of all service drops shall have vertical clearance of not less than eight (8) feet from roof surface, 10 feet from electrical service entrance to the building, 15 feet over residential driveways and those commercial areas not subject to truck traffic, and 18 feet over public streets, alleys, roads, and parking areas subject to truck traffic. (NEC 230-24)

Exit Discharge

1.9 Obstruction: A means of egress shall be free from obstructions that would prevent its use, including the accumulation of ice and snow. (IFC 1030.3)

Stairway and Fire Escapes

1.10 Obstruction: A means of egress shall be free from obstructions that would prevent its use, including the accumulation of ice and snow. (IFC 1030.3)

1.11 Reliability: Required exit accesses, exits and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency when the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. Security devices affecting the means of egress shall be subject to approval of the fire code official. (IFC 1030.2)

1.12 General Maintenance: The means of egress for buildings or portions thereof shall be maintained in accordance with this section. (IFC 1030.1)

1.13 Address displayed: Duty of the owners. Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for any new buildings, additions, alterations or any changes for which an occupancy permit is required, other than for accessory buildings, it shall be the owner's duty to have placed, in a location easily observed, clear of obstruction and readable from the roadway, alley or similar access, Arabic numerals at least four inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches showing the address of the building or structure. House or building numbers shall contrast with the background, shall be constructed of durable materials, be permanently installed and be readily visible. Script or written numbers are not permitted. On corner lots where the building faces the intersecting street, additional numbers shall also be placed on the side of the buildings street address. (COW Code 22-10)

Electrical Equipment

1.14 Shut-offs: A service disconnecting means shall be provided in an accessible location. (NEC 230- 70)

Gas Equipment

1.16 Shut-offs: Gas outlets shall have an individual shut-off valve which should be accessible and adjacent to the equipment. (IFGC 409.1)

1.17 Access to Shutoff Valves: Shutoff valves shall be located in places so as to provide access for operation and shall be installed so as to be protected from damage. (IFGC 409.1.3)

2. Inside Base Building

Entrance/Exit

2.1 Number: It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code. (IFC 1001.2)

2.2 Obstruction: A means of egress shall be free from obstructions that would prevent its use, including the accumulation of ice and snow. (IFC 1030.1)

2.3 Reliability: Required exit accesses, exit and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in case of fire or other emergency when the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. Security devices affecting means of egress shall be subject to approval of the fire code official. (IFC 1030.2)

Common Stairways

2.4 Enclosures: Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps shall be enclosed with fire barriers. Exit enclosures shall have a fire resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours where connecting four (4) floors or more and not less than a one (1) hour rating where connecting less than four (4) floors. (IFC 1022.2)

2.5 Stairway Width: The width of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but such width shall not be less than 44 inches (1118 mm). See Section 1007.3 for accessible means of egress stairways. (IFC 1009.4)

2.6 Stairway Doors Swing: Interior stairway means of egress doors shall be operable from both sides without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. (IFC 1008.1.9.11)

2.7 Maintenance: The means of egress for buildings or portions thereof shall be maintained in accordance with this section. (IFC 1030.1)

2.8 Hardware: Where panic hardware is installed, it shall comply with the following: 1) The actuating portion of the release device shall extend at least one-half of the door leaf width 2) A maximum unlatching force of 15 pounds. (IFC 1008.1.10)

Common Storage

2.9 Condition: Storage of combustible materials in buildings shall be orderly. Storage shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur. (IFC 315.3)

2.10 Storage Ceiling Height: Storage shall not be within two (2) feet or more below the ceiling in a non- sprinklered areas of buildings or a minimum of 18 inches below sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of the building. (IFC 315.3.1)

2.11 Housekeeping: Storage of combustible materials in buildings shall be orderly. Storage shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur. (IFC 315.3)

3. HVAC Equipment Base Building

Common Units

3.1 Access: The installation shall be readily accessible for the cleaning of hot surfaces; removing burners; replacing motors, controls, air filters, chimney connectors, draft regulators and other working parts; and for adjusting, cleaning and lubricating parts. (IFC 603.1.5) (IFGC 306.1)

3.2 Proper Installation: Heating appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the International Building Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Fuel Gas Code and the National Electrical Code. (IFC 603.5.2)

3.3 Combustion Air: Unvented fuel fired heating equipment shall not be located in or obtain combustion air from, any of the following rooms or spaces: sleeping rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms, or storage closets. (IFC 603.4.1)

3.4 Fuel Shut-Offs: Shutoff valves shall be of an approved type. Shutoff valves shall be constructed of material compatible with the gas piping. Shutoff valves shall be installed in a portion of a piping system operating above 0.5 psig shall comply with ASME B 16.33. Shutoff valves installed in a portion of a piping system operating at 0.5 psig or less shall comply with ANSI Z 21.15 or ASME B 16.33. (IFGC 409.1.1)

3.5 Boiler Certificate: Upon completion of assembly and installation of boilers and pressure vessels, acceptance test shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Where field assembly of pressure vessels or boilers is required, a copy of the completed U-1 Manufacturer's Data Report required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be submitted to the code official. (IMC 1011.1)

3.6 Clear of Combustibles: Open flames such as from candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters and gas fired heaters shall not be located on or near decorative materials or similar combustible materials. (IFC 308.1.5)

3.7 Condition of Units: The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation and maintenance of fuel fired appliances and heating systems, emergency and standby power systems, electrical systems and equipment, mechanical refrigeration systems, …. (IFC 601.1)

4. Common Electrical Base Building

Common Panel

4.1 Access: A clearance of not less than thirty (30) inches shall be provided between all electrical service equipment and storage. (NEC 110-26 (IFC 605.3)

Outlets

4.6 Proper Locations: Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention of the code official responsible for enforcement of the National Electrical Code. (IFC 605.1)

4.7 Proper Number: Identified electrical hazards shall be abated. Identified hazardous electrical conditions in permanent wiring shall be brought to the attention of the code official responsible for enforcement of the National Electrical Code. (IFC 605.1)

4.8 Covers: Each electrical outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy. Open junction boxes and open wiring splices shall be prohibited. Appropriate covers shall be provided for all switches and electrical boxes. (NEC 314.25) (IFC 605.6)

Egress Lighting

4.9 Adequate: The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of a power system failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for the following occupancies where such occupancies require two or more means of egress. (IFC 1006.3)

Emergency Lighting

4.10 Operational: The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of a power system failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for the following occupancies where such occupancies require two or more means of egress. (IFC 1006.3)

Exit Signs

4.11 Where Required: Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Access to the exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs in cases where the exit or path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Exit sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor is more than 100 feet (30480 mm) or the listed distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign. (IFC 1011.1)

Lock Box Maintenance (Knox Box)

4.13 Required: Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be of an approved type and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official. (IFC 506.1)

4.14 Maintenance: The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box. (IFC 506.2)

Tenant Space

1. General Information

Entrance/ Exit Interior

1.1 Number: All rooms and spaces within each story shall be provided and have access to the minimum number of approved independent exits required based on the occupant load except as modified. (IFC 1021)

1.2 Obstructed: A means of egress shall be free from obstructions that would prevent its use, including the accumulation of ice and snow. (IFC 1030.3)

1.3 Reliability: Required exit accesses, exit and exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to the full instant use in case of fire or other emergency when the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. Security devices affecting means of egress shall be subject to approval of the fire code official. (IFC 1030.2)

1.4 Door Swing: All means of egress doors shall be of a side hinged swing type. (IFC 1008.1.2)

1.5 Hardware: Doors, handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices on doors required to be accessible by Chapter 11 of the International Building Code, shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. (IFC 1008.1.9.1)

1.6 Address/Suite Number: Duty of the owners. Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for any new buildings, additions, alterations or any changes for which an occupancy permit is required, other than for accessory buildings, it shall be the owner's duty to have placed, in a location easily observed, clear of obstruction and readable from the roadway, alley or similar access, Arabic numerals at least four inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches showing the address of the building or structure. House or building numbers shall contrast with the background, shall be constructed of durable materials, be permanently installed and be readily visible. Script or written numbers are not permitted. On corner lots where the building faces the intersecting street, additional numbers shall also be placed on the side of the buildings street address. (COW Code 22-10)

Stairways

1.7 Enclosure: Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps shall be enclosed with fire barriers. Exit enclosures shall have a fire resistance rating of not less than two (2) hours where connecting four (4) floors or more and not less than a one (1) hour rating where connecting less than four (4) floors. (IFC 1022.2)

1.8 Capacity: Where exits serve more than one floor, only the occupant load of each floor considered individually shall be used in computing the required capacity of the exits at that floor, provided that e exit capacity shall not decrease in the direction of egress travel. (IBC 1005.1) (IFC 1021.1)

1.9 Door Swing: Interior stairway means of egress doors shall be operable from both sides without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. (IFC 1008.1.9.11)

1.10 Obstruction/Condition: A means of egress shall be free from obstructions that would prevent its use, including the accumulation of ice and snow. (IFC 1030.1)

1.11 Hardware: Where panic hardware is installed, it shall comply with the following: 1) The actuating portion of the release device shall extend at least one-half of the door leaf width 2) A maximum unlatching force of 15 pounds. (IFC 1008.1.10)

Corridors/Aisles

1.12 Width: The minimum corridor width shall be as determined in Section 1005.1 but not less than 44 inches. (IFC 1018.2)

1.13 Continuity: Fire resistance rated corridors shall be continuous from the point of entry to an exit, and shall not be interrupted by intervening rooms. (IFC 1018.6)

Firewalls

1.14 Separation: Fire barriers used for separation of shafts, exits, exit passageways, horizontal exits or incidental use areas, to separate different occupancies , to separate a single occupancy into different fire areas, or to separate other areas where a fire barrier is required elsewhere in this code or the International Fire Code, shall comply with this section. (IBC 706.1)

1.15 Fire Doors and Frames: Means of egress doors shall meet the requirements of this section. Doors serving a means of egress shall meet the requirements of this section and Section 1020.2. Doors provided for egress purposes in numbers greater than required by this code shall meet the requirements of this section. (IFC 1008.1)

1.16 Door Hardware: Where panic hardware is installed, it shall comply with the following: 1) The actuating portion of the release device shall extend at least one-half of the door leaf width 2) A maximum unlatching force of 15 pounds. (IFC 1008.1.10)

Storage

1.17 Height: Storage in buildings and structures shall be maintained two (2) feet or more below the ceiling in non-sprinklered areas of buildings or a minimum of 18 inches below sprinkler head deflectors in sprinklered areas of the building. (IFC 315.3.1)

1.18 Housekeeping: Storage of combustible materials in buildings and structure shall be orderly. Storage shall be separated from heaters and heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur. (IFC 315.3)

1.19 "No Smoking" Signs: The fire code official is authorized to order the posting of "No Smoking" signs in conspicuous location in each structure or location in which smoking is prohibited. The content, lettering, size, color and location of required "No Smoking" signs shall be approved. (IFC 310.3)

3.3 "NoSmoking" Signs: The fire code official is authorized to order the posting of "No Smoking" signs in conspicuous location in each structure or location in which smoking is prohibited. The content, lettering, size, color and location of required "No Smoking" signs shall be approved. (IFC 310.3)

4. HVAC Equipment

Units

4.1 Access: The installation shall be readily accessible for the cleaning of hot surfaces; removing burners; replacing motors, controls, air filters, chimney connectors, draft regulators and other working parts; and for adjusting, cleaning and lubricating parts. (IFC 603.1.5)

4.2 Heating Appliance Installation: Heating appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the International Building Code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Fuel Gas Code and the National Electrical Code. (IFC 603.5.2)

4.3 Combustion Air: Unvented fuel fired heating equipment shall not be located in or obtain combustion air from, any of the following rooms or spaces: sleeping rooms, bathrooms, toilet rooms, or storage closets. (IFC 603.4.1)

4.4 Fuel Shut Offs: Shutoff valves shall be of an approved type. Shutoff valves shall be constructed of material compatible with the gas piping. Shutoff valves shall be installed in a portion of a piping system operating above 0.5 psig shall comply with ASME B 16.33. Shutoff valves installed in a portion of a piping system operating at 0.5 psig or less shall comply with ANSI Z 21.15 or ASME B 16.33. (IFGC 409.1.1)

4.5 Boiler Certificate: Upon completion of assembly and installation of boilers and pressure vessels, acceptance test shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Where field assembly of pressure vessels or boilers is required, a copy of the completed U-1 Manufacturer's Data Report required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be submitted to the code official. (IMC 1011.1)

4.6 Clear of Combustibles: Open flames such as from candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters and gas fired heaters shall not be located on or near decorative materials or similar combustible materials. (IFC 308.1.5)

4.7 Condition of Units: The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation and maintenance of fuel fired appliances and heating systems, emergency and standby power systems, electrical systems and equipment, mechanical refrigeration systems, …. (IFC 601.1)

Ducts

4.8 Damper Access: Fire and smoke dampers shall be provided with an approved means of access, large enough to permit inspection and maintenance of the damper and its operating parts. The access shall not affect the integrity of the fire resistance rated assemblies. The access shall not reduce the fire resistance rating assembly. Access points shall be permanently identified on the exterior by a label having letters not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) in height reading: SMOKE DAMPER or FIRE DAMPER. Access doors in ducts shall be tight fitting and suitable for required duct construction. (IMC 607.4)

5. Electrical

Control Panel

5.1 Properly Marked: Each disconnecting means required by this Code for motors and appliances, and each service, feeder, or branch circuit at the point where it originates, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

Where circuit breakers or fuses are applied in compliance with the series combination ratings marked on the equipment by the manufacturer, the equipment enclosure(s) shall be legibly marked in the field to indicate the equipment has been applied with a series combination rating. The marking shall be readily visible and state the following:

5.2 Access: A clearance of not less than 30 inches shall be provided between all electrical service equipment and storage. (NEC 110.26)

Circuits

5.3 Proper Sizes: Equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels shall have an interrupting rating sufficient for the nominal circuit voltage and the current that is available at the line terminals of the equipment. Equipment intended to interrupt current at other than fault levels shall have an interrupting rating at nominal circuit voltage sufficient for the current that must be interrupted. (NEC 110-9)

5.4 Identified: Each disconnecting means required by this Code for motors and appliances, and each service, feeder, or branch circuit at the point where it originates, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

Where circuit breakers or fuses are applied in compliance with the series combination ratings marked on the equipment by the manufacturer, the equipment enclosure(s) shall be legibly marked in the field to indicate the equipment has been applied with a series combination rating. The marking shall be readily visible and state the following:

CAUTION - SERIES COMBINATION SYSTEM

RATED ____ AMPERES. IDENTIFIED

REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS REQUIRED.

(NEC 110-22)

5.5 Unused Openings: Unused openings in enclosures within the scope of this article shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to that of the enclosures within the scope of this article. Where metal plugs or plates are used with nonmetallic cabinets or cutout boxes, they shall be recessed at least 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) from the outer surface. (NEC 314.17)

5.8 Covers: Each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate or fixture canopy. Open junction boxes and open wiring splices shall be prohibited. Appropriate covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical boxes. (IFC 605.6)

Extension Cords

5.9 Condition: Extension cords shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be fixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors or under doors or floor coverings nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact. (IFC 605.5)

5.11 Temporary Wiring: Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days. Temporary wiring methods shall meet the applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code. (IFC 605.5 & IFC 605.9)

Egress Lighting

5.12 Adequate: The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of a power system failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for the following occupancies where such occupancies require two or more means of egress. (IFC 1006.1)

Emergency Lighting

5.13 Operational: The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of a power system failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for the following occupancies where such occupancies require two or more means of egress. (IFC 1006.3)

Exit Signs

5.14 Where Required: Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Access to the exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs in cases where the exit or path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Exit sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor is more than 100 feet (30480 mm) or the listed distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign. (IFC 1011.1)

6.3 Conspicuous Location: Extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they are readily accessible and immediately available for use. In rooms or areas in which visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be provided to indicate the locations of extinguishers. (IFC 906.6) (IFC 906.5)

7. Flammable Liquids

7.1 Processing and Storage: Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, use, dispensing, mixing and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 57 and this chapter. (IFC 5705.3)

7.3 Fire Control: Portable fire extinguishers with a minimum rating of 20-B:C and complying with Section 906 shall be provided where required by the fire code official. (IFC 5706.2.7)

8. Key Box

8.1 Maintenance: The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key when a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box. (IFC 506.2)